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Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- More than $1 million in federal disaster assistance has been paid out to help Washington residents recover from January flooding, announced officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD).

Homeowners, renters and businesses in King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties have already received $1,032,937 since the Presidential declaration of Jan. 30.

"A total of 331 Washington residents in eight counties have received individual disaster assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "Along with our state and federal partners, the agency will continue our mission to help the people of Washington toward a speedy recovery."

Applicants can register for FEMA assistance by calling, toll-free, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTY 1-800-462-7585, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. Registration is available until March 31, 2009.

The following is a summary of recovery efforts as of the close of business, Thursday, Feb. 5:

$1,032,937 has been paid out for disaster housing assistance to help with temporary housing and home repairs while people rebuild or restore their damaged homes or to help renters whose rental units were damaged.

944 individuals and households have registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

507 properties have been visited by FEMA-contracted inspectors to document storm and flood damage.

As of Saturday, six Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be open. DRCs are established to help people without telephone or internet service register and to answer specific questions about disaster assistance programs, registration and eligibility. The following is a list of DRCs open now. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO VISIT A RECOVERY CENTER.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private prope...